NFL - Week Eighteen Preview

 

The 2025 NFL regular season concludes this weekend and the playoffs will get going during the second weekend of January. All seven spots are settled but both conferences still have division winners to be decided and that will be the focus on Saturday and Sunday.  

The three biggest games in Week Eighteen will be between the Carolina Panthers (8-8) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) for the NFC South division title while the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) host the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) to decide the NFC West title and the top seed in the NFC. Both of those games take place on Saturday while on Sunday Night Football, the AFC North crown showdown will be in Pittsburgh as the Steelers (9-7) take on the Baltimore Ravens (8-8), who stayed alive last weekend when they defeated the Green Bay Packers while the Steelers blew a chance to wrap things up as they lost to the Cleveland Browns. 

The Denver Broncos (13-3) can wrap up the top seed in the AFC playoff chase if they win at home against the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5), who will be resting Justin Herbert, their starting quarterback. The Chargers have already clinched a wild card playoff spot, so they are looking to be healthy and ready to go when the playoffs begin in the second weekend of January. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots (13-3) can still get the top AFC spot with a win against the Miami Dolphins (7-9) and a loss by Denver against the L.A. Chargers. 

The final games for the 2025 regular season are featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo predictions follow up. 

Happy New Year! 

Carolina Panthers (8-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - This game is for the NFC South title . . . toss up. 

Seattle Seahawks (13-3) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4) - This game is for the NFC West title and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Toss up. 

New Orleans Saints (6-10) at Atlanta Falcons (7-9) - Yet another toss up in this one between two teams finishing up the schedule. 

N.Y. Jets (3-13) at Buffalo Bills (11-5) - The Bills are already in the AFC playoffs, so who knows how many starters will play. 

Detroit Lions (8-8) at Chicago Bears (11-5) - The Bears have incentive to win to remain in the number two spot in the NFC playoffs. 

Cleveland Browns (4-12) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-10) - The battle of Ohio . . . is it really worth fighting for? 

L.A. Chargers (11-5) at Denver Broncos (13-3) - The Chargers are resting starters, including starting quarterback Justin Herbert . . . take the Broncos. 

Indianapolis Colts (8-8) at Houston Texans (11-5) - Texans need to win and hope the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to win the AFC South title. 

Tennessee Titans (3-13) at Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) - Jaguars riding a seven game win streak and a win here assures them of the AFC South crown. 

Arizona Cardinals (3-13) at L.A. Rams (11-5) - Rams looking to right the ship in the season finale heading into the playoffs. 

Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) - Who cares? 

Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (8-8) - The Packers are locked into the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs; Vikings looking to finish season on a high note. 

Miami Dolphins (7-9) at New England Patriots (13-3) - Patriots roll ! 

Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) at N.Y. Giants (3-13) - Cowboys fell off recently and will be looking to finish at .500 this season. 

Washington Commanders (4-12) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) - Eagles could still get the number two seed in the NFC, so they have some motivation in the regular season home finale. 

Baltimore Ravens (8-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) - The Sunday night game and the winner of this one wins the AFC North and the wild card round home playoff game . . . the loser is going on vacation until next season. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eighteen     . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Tampa Bay over Carolina 

San Francisco over Seattle 

Atlanta over New Orleans 

Buffalo over N.Y. Jets 

Chicago over Detroit 

Cincinnati over Cleveland 

Denver over L.A. Chargers  

Houston over Indianapolis 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

Kansas City over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Minnesota 

NEW ENGLAND over Miami 

Dallas over N.Y. Giants 

Philadelphia over Washington 

Pittsburgh over Baltimore 

  

Last Week's Record - 9-7 

SEASON RECORD - 166-89-1

Lock of the Week Record - 15-2 

 

The Worst of 2025

NFL - Week Seventeen Recap

Texans QB C.J. Stroud had two TD passes in big win over the Chargers. 

On Saturday in Los Angeles, the Houston Texans (11-5) won their eighth consecutive game by beating the Chargers, 20-16 behind two long touchdown passes by quarterback C.J. Stroud (244 passing yards, two TD, two interceptions) while the defense registered five sacks on Chargers QB Justin Herbert (236 passing yards, one TD, one INT) that helped them clinch an AFC playoff spot. Stroud threw scoring passes of 75 yards to Jayden Higgins and 43 yards to Jaylin Noel in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. Trailing 14-3 at the half, the Chargers (11-5) scored on a one-yard pass play to get to within 17-10 late in the third quarter and RB Omarion Hampton scored on a five-yard run with 3:37 remaining, but kicker Cameron Dicker, who earlier missed a 32-yard field goal, missed the PAT kick. Houston was able to run out the clock for the win. 

The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) smacked the host Green Bay Packers, 41-24 on Saturday night behind a huge game from running back Derrick Henry (216 rushing yards on 36 carries) as he scored four rushing touchdowns while the Ravens rolled up 307 rushing yards in the win. The Packers (9-6-1) had a pair of turnovers and dropped their third straight game but had already clinched a playoff spot when the Detroit Lions lost on Christmas Day. Packers QB Malik Willis (288 passing yards on 18-of-21 accuracy) had a TD pass and two scoring runs in defeat.

The New England Patriots (13-3) clinched the AFC East division with a 42-10 blowout win against the host New York Jets (3-13) as QB Drake Maye had a huge game, throwing five touchdown passes along with 256 passing yards. 

In Cleveland, the Browns (4-12) toppled the Pittsburgh Steelers, 13-6 with QB Shedeur Sanders tossing a 28-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin, Jr. for a 10-0 lead. The Steelers (9-7) managed just two field goals in the loss and were shut out in the second half. 

The Seattle Seahawks improved to 13-3 with a 27-10 road win against the Carolina Panthers (8-8) as RB Zach Charbonnet (18 carries for 110 yards) had two rushing scores and QB Sam Darnold threw a TD pass. The Panthers only had 139 total yards in offense in the loss. 

The game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills (11-5) came down to the wire and the Eagles (11-5) came away with a 13-12 victory as their defense came up with a blocked PAT kick and then survived when Bills QB Josh Allen's two-point conversion pass was incomplete with five seconds left. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts threw a one-yard TD pass to tight end Dallas Goeddert and Jake Elliott made two field goals to offset a pair of scoring runs by Allen, who had 262 passing yards in defeat.  

 

The Sunday night game in San Francisco came down to the final play and the Chicago Bears couldn't pull this one out as they fell to the 49ers, 42-38 and dropped to 11-5 this season. The 49ers (12-4) took the lead with 2:15 left on a 38-yard TD pass to WR Jauan Jennings from QB Brock Purdy (pictured right), who had 303 passing yards, three TD, one INT and two touchdown runs. 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (140 yards on 23 carries) had a rushing touchdown as they gained 200 rushing yards. Trailing 35-28 entering the fourth quarter, the Bears took a 38-35 lead when D'Andre Swift scored on a 22-yard run and Cairo Santos kicked a 29-yard field goal with 5:22 left. The game was back and forth in the first half as the Bears jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the first play when linebacker T.J. Edwards ran back an interception 34 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco gained 496 yards in offense while the Bears had 440 total yards. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) won their seventh straight game with a 23-17 road decision against the Indianapolis Colts (8-8), who dropped their sixth consecutive game. Jags kicker Cam Little made three field goals and QB Trevor Lawrence had a pair of rushing touchdowns to lead the way. Colts QB Philip Rivers had a TD pass and one interception in the loss. 

The Miami Dolphins (7-9) played spoilers as they held off the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-17 behind a pair of TD passes from rookie QB Quinn Ewers. The Buccaneers (7-9) lost their eighth game in the last ten as Baker Mayfield had two TD passes and two interceptions to go with 346 passing yards. 

In Cincinnati, the Bengals (6-10) blasted the Arizona Cardinals, 37-14 behind two TD passes by Joe Burrow (305 passing yards)  and two scoring runs by Chase Brown, who rushed for 101 yards on 22 carries. The Cardinals (3-13) lost their eighth straight game as QB Jacoby Brissett had two touchdown passes. 

The New Orleans Saints (6-10) rallied back to beat the host Tennessee Titans, 34-26 for their fourth straight win with QB Tyler Shough passing for a pair of scores along with 333 passing yards. Running back Audric Estime had a 32-yard TD run and defensive end Chase Young scored on a 33-yard fumble return. The Titans fell to 3-13 as QB Cam Ward had two TD passes and 251 passing yards in defeat. 

The New York Giants crushed the host Las Vegas Raiders, 34-10 behind two scoring runs by QB Jaxson Dart. Deonte Banks had a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Devin Singletary added a scoring run as the Giants (3-13) ended a nine game losing streak. The Raiders (2-14) dropped their tenth straight game with QB Geno Smith throwing a TD pass along with two interceptions. 

The Monday night game in Atlanta went down to the wire and the Falcons (7-9) beat the Los Angeles Rams, 27-24 when Zane Gonzalez kicked a 51-yard field goal with just 21 seconds left. The Falcons jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead with QB Kirk Cousins throwing for a touchdown, Jessie Bates III taking back an interception 34 yards for a score and then running back Bijan Robinson (22 carries for 195 yards) going 93 yards for a 21-0 lead. The Rams (11-5) eventually tied the game, 24-24 with 17 points in the third quarter on the first of two Matthew Stafford (269 passing yards, two TD, three INT) scoring  passes and a 76 yard return for touchdown by Jared Verse on a blocked field goal. Stafford connected with WR Puka Nacua for an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game with 2:46 remaining, but the Falcons then drove down field for the winning field goal. 

 

WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS 

Dallas 30, Washington 23 

Minnesota 23, Detroit 10 

Denver 20, Kansas City 13 

Houston 20, L.A. Chargers 16 

Baltimore 41, Green Bay 24  

Cincinnati 37, Arizona 14  

New England 42, N.Y. Jets 10

Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 6  

New Orleans 34, Tennessee 26

Jacksonville 23, Indianapolis 17

Miami 20, Tampa Bay 17 

Seattle 27, Carolina 10  

Philadelphia 13, Buffalo 12

N.Y. Giants 34, Las Vegas 10

San Francisco 42, Chicago 38 

Atlanta 27, L.A. Rams 24  

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Seventeen Recap (Christmas Day Games)

The Denver Broncos won in Kansas City on Christmas Day. 

The NFL playoff picture came more into focus as the Denver Broncos took a step closer to clinching home field advantage in the AFC playoffs while the Detroit Lions were eliminated from the NFC playoff race on Christmas Day.
 

Denver won 20-13 in Kansas City to improve to 13-3 as they scored on a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix to running RJ Harvey with 1:45 left to play in the game. The Broncos fell behind 7-3 in the second quarter  when QB Chris Oladokun hit Brashard Smith for a five-yard TD pass which led to a 7-6 halftime advantage for the Chiefs (6-10). The Broncos went in front 13-10 in the third quarter on a nine-yard scoring run by Nix. But then Kansas City tied the game 13-13 when Harrison Butker made a 47-yard field goal with 8:03 remaining in the final quarter. The Broncos defense stiffened late and held the Chiefs off as they allowed just 139 total yards. 

In Minnesota, the Vikings (8-8) played spoiler to the Detroit Lions by winning, 23-10 despite gaining only 161 yards in total offense, which included a ridiculously low of THREE net yards passing as QB Max Brosmer was sacked seven times. Jordan Addison scored on a 65-yard end around play with 3:43 left to play for a 20-10 Vikings lead and running back Aaron Jones scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead. The Lions (8-8) had six turnovers (four fumbles, two interceptions) while totaling just 231 yards in offense. The game was tied 7-7 at halftime as QB Jared Goff (197 passing yards, one TD, two INT) tossed a four-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. 

The Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) knocked off the host Washington Commanders, 30-23 in the early game with QB Dak Prescott (3-7 passing yards) throwing for two touchdowns in the first half, including an 86-yard pass to WR KaVontae Turpin for a 21-3 lead with seven minutes remaining in the half. The Commanders (4-12) got to within seven points when RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (11 carries for 105 yards, two TD) scored on a 72-yard run with 9:34 left in the third quarter. From there, it was all field goals to account for the final score. Dallas totaled 480 yards (211 rushing yards, 269 passing) in the win, which snapped a three game losing streak. 

 

WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS 

Dallas 30, Washington 23 

Minnesota 23, Detroit 10 

Denver 20, Kansas City 13  

'Tis The Season

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

 

 

NFL - Week Seventeen Preview

 

Three Christmas Day games kick off Week 17 around the NFL as the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) face the host Washington Commanders (4-11) while the Detroit Lions, a disappointing 8-7 this season, travel to play the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) and the night game will have the Denver Broncos (12-3), the top team in the AFC, playing the Chiefs (6-9) at Kansas City. 

On Saturday in Los Angeles, the Chargers (11-4) host the Houston Texans (10-5), who have won seven in a row while the 'Bolts have won four straight and seven of their last eight games. The Baltimore Ravens (7-8) try to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase when they face the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) in a road game. The rest of the games are on Sunday and the final Monday night game this year has the Los Angeles Rams (11-4) taking on the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) in Atlanta. 

Here is a breakdown in the capsule style format for all 16 games and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.  

Christmas Day Games 

Dallas (6-8-1) at Washington (4-11) - Cowboys and Commanders playing meaningless football in late December. Toss up here.  

Detroit (8-7) at Minnesota (7-8) - The Lions are in must win mode for the final two games of the season. The Vikings are playing spoilers. 

Denver (12-3) at Kansas City (6-9) - Broncos should roll in this one as the Chiefs have packed it in for the season. 

Saturday Games 

Houston (10-5) at L.A. Chargers  (11-4) - Two of the hottest teams in the AFC playoff race have already clinched playoff spots. Toss up in this game. 

Baltimore (7-8) at Green Bay (9-5-1) - The Packers can clinch a playoff spot with the home win. The Ravens must win or they are out of the AFC playoff chase. 

Sunday Games 

Seattle (12-3) at Carolina (8-7) - This game should go down to the wire with two teams looking to stay ahead of the pack in their division races. 

Arizona (3-12) at Cincinnati (5-10) - Take the Bengals. 

Pittsburgh (9-6) at Cleveland (3-12) - The Steelers can wrap up the AFC North title with a win and that will likely happen in this one. 

Jacksonville (11-4) at Indianapolis (8-7) - The Colts are just about done for this season while the Jaguars are rolling with six straight wins. 

Tampa Bay (7-8) at Miami (6-9) - Two Florida teams battle it out . . . the visiting Buccaneers are in must win mode while the Dolphins have been out of it since November. 

New England (12-3) at N.Y. Jets (3-12) - Take the Patriots. 

New Orleans (5-10) at Tennessee (3-12) - Two bottom feeders in this one. Toss up game. 

Philadelphia (10-5) at Buffalo (11-4) - The game of the week with two teams already in the playoffs. Another toss up game. 

N.Y. Giants (2-13) at Las Vegas (2-13) - Two teams with long losing streaks go at it with the loser likely getting the slot for the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Chicago (11-4) at San Francisco (11-4) - The Sunday night game between two of the hottest teams in the NFC . . . take the 49ers in a close one. 

Monday Night Game 

L.A. Rams (11-4) at Atlanta (6-9) - Take the Rams.  

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Seventeen   . . . . . . . . . . .       (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Dallas over Washington 

Detroit over Minnesota 

DENVER over Kansas City 

Houston over L.A. Chargers 

Baltimore over Green Bay 

Seattle over Carolina 

Cincinnati over Arizona 

Pittsburgh over Cleveland 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Tampa Bay over Miami 

New England over N.Y. Jets

Tennessee over New Orleans 

Buffalo over Philadelphia 

Las Vegas over N.Y. Giants 

San Francisco over Chicago 

L.A. Rams over Atlanta

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5

SEASON RECORD - 157-82-1

Lock of the Week Record - 14-2 

 

 

NFL - Week Sixteen Recap

The Seattle Seahawks rallied for OT win over L.A. Rams on Thursday night. 

Perhaps the most thrilling game of the 2025 NFL season took place in Seattle on Thursday night when the Seahawks (12-3) beat the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37 in overtime to take over first place in the NFC West division. The Rams (11-4) took a 37-30 lead when QB Matthew Stafford (457 passing yards and three touchdown passes) hit wide receiver Puka Nacua with a 41-yard TD pass. Nacua had 12 receptions for 225 yards and two scores in the loss. The Seahawks eventually won in the OT session when QB Sam Darnold (270 passing yards with two TD and two interceptions) connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a four-yard scoring pass and then Darnold tossed a pass to tight end Eric Saubert for the two-point conversion to end the game. Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III scored a TD and rushed for 100 yards on eleven carries as the 'Hawks gained 415 yards in offense. The Rams had 581 yards in total offense, but fell short in this one. 

On Saturday night in Chicago, the Bears (11-4) accomplished a most improbable comeback against the Green Bay Packers, getting a 22-16 victory in overtime when QB Caleb Williams (250 passing yards and two TD) threw a 46-yard pass to wide receiver DJ Moore for the winning touchdown with 4:50 left in overtime. The Packers (9-5-1) led 13-3 after three quarters as reserve QB Malik Willis threw a 33-yard scoring pass to WR Romeo Doubs. Willis, who fumbled the snap on fourth-and-one in the overtime, came in the game when starter Jordan Love suffered a concussion in the first half. The Bears stormed back in the final two minutes of regulation when kicker Cairo Santos made his third field goal in the game and then Josh Blackwell recovered the onside kickoff for the Bears. From there, Williams tossed a six-yard TD pass to WR Jahdae Walker on fourth down with 24 seconds remaining to force the overtime. 

Earlier on Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) clinched the NFC East division for the second straight season, defeating the Washington Commanders, 29-18 behind a pair of TD passes by QB Jalen Hurts and a rushing touchdown by Saquon Barkley (132 yards on 21 carries) and a 22-yard scoring run by Tank Bigsby. The Commanders (4-11) scored twice on the ground as they only managed 220 yards in offense in the loss. The Eagles became the first team since the 2004 season (when they also did it) to win back-to-back NFC Est titles.   

 

The Sunday action saw the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) win their sixth consecutive game as they blasted the host Denver Broncos, 34-20, ending Denver's eleven game win streak. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence (pictured right) had 279 passing yards and threw for three scores and also had a rushing touchdown to pace the win. The Broncos (12-3) had two turnovers and QB Bo Nix threw for 352 yards and one touchdown and one interception in defeat. 

The Sunday night game in Baltimore didn't go so well for the host Ravens (7-8) as they blew an 11-point fourth quarter lead and fell, 28-24 against the New England Patriots (12-3), who clinched a playoff spot for the first time in four years. Patriots QB Drake Maye had two touchdown passes along with 380 passing yards and one interception while running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 21-yard touchdown run with 2:07 left to play to help seal the win. The Ravens had forged ahead 24-13 in the second half as RB Derrick Henry (128 rushing yards on 18 carries) scored his second rushing touchdown. Ravens starting QB Lamar Jackson left the game with a back injury as the team inched closer to being eliminated from playoff contention. 

The Los Angeles Chargers improved to 11-4 with a 34-17 win at Dallas as QB Justin Herbert had 300 passing yards and threw for two scores while also rushing for another touchdown. Using balanced offense (300 passing yards, 152 rushing) the Chargers racked up 452 total yards while the Cowboys (6-8-1) were shut out in the second half as QB Dak Prescott had 244 passing yards and two TD passes in the loss. 

In Detroit, the Lions (8-7) lost a tough one, 29-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who won their third straight game behind two 45-yard scoring runs by RB Jaylen Warren (14 carries for 143 yards) and a 45-yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (266 passing yards) to running back Kenneth Gainwell. The Lions scored twice in the fourth quarter on a pair of TD passes by QB Jared Goff, who had three scoring passes along with 364 passing yards. The Steelers (9-6) gained 230 rushing yards and had 481 total yards in offense while the Lions managed just 15 rushing yards while losing consecutive games for the first time in three seasons. 

The Buffalo Bills ran their record to 11-4 as they outlasted the host Cleveland Browns, 23-20 with RB James Cook (117 yards on 16 carries) scoring twice on the ground, including a 44-yard burst as the Bills built a 20-10 halftime lead. The Browns dropped to 3-12 as Harold Fannin, Jr. scored twice (one rushing, one receiving) and rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had a TD pass and threw two interceptions.  

The battle for the top spot in the NFC South division went to the Carolina Panthers, 23-20 over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) as kicker Ryan Fitzgerald made a 48-yard field goal with 2:20 left to play to help seal the win. The Bucs had tied the game when kicker Chase McLaughlin made a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. The Panthers (8-7) took a 20-17 lead when QB Bryce Young threw for his second TD in the game, a six-yard strike to Ja'Tavion Sanders late in the third quarter. The back and forth game saw four lead changes as Carolina moved alone on top in the division race with two games remaining, including another one against each other in Tampa Bay to finish the regular season. 

The AFC South division is still up for grabs as both Jacksonville and Houston won and the Texans (10-5) got it done against a stubborn Las Vegas Raiders team, winning 23-21 at home as they were outgained in total yardage by the Raiders (2-13) who lost their ninth consecutive game and had just 75 yards in a loss last week. Texans defensive back Derek Stingley, Jr. had a 31-yard "pick six" interception for touchdown and a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass and Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked three field goals to help lead the winning effort. Raiders QB Geno Smith had two TD passes and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty (128 rushing yards on 24 carries) scored on a 51-yard run in defeat. 

The Minnesota Vikings (7-8) beat the New York Giants, 16-13 for the road win as quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a 12-yard rushing score before leaving the game with a hand injury and Will Reichard kicked three field goals, including the game winner from 30 yards with 4:15 remaining in the game. The Giants fell to 2-13 with their ninth straight loss and their only touchdown came on a 29-yard fumble return by Tyler Nubin as they only had 141 total yards in offense.

The New Orleans Saints (5-10) blasted the visiting New York Jets, 29-6 for their third consecutive victory as wide receiver Chris Olave (ten receptions for 148 yards) hauled in two touchdown passes and the Saints defense smothered Jets rookie QB Brady Cook with eight sacks while only allowing 195 yards to the Jets (3-12), who also had two turnovers. 

Cincinnati won in Miami, 45-21 behind four TD passes and 309 passing yards from QB Joe Burrow as the Bengals improved to 5-10 this season. Bengals RB Chase Brown scored three times in the third quarter with a rushing TD and a pair of receiving touchdowns to blow it open after leading 17-14 at the half. The Dolphins (6-9) started rookie Quinn Ewers at quarterback and he had 260 passing yards with a pair of interceptions in the loss. 

The Tennessee Titans (3-12) knocked off the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, 26-9 as many Chiefs players sat it out after being eliminated from playoff contention last week. Titans rookie QB Cam Ward had two TD passes and 218 yards to lead the winning effort. The Chiefs (6-9) managed just three field goals and gained a paltry 133 yards in total offense as they assured their first losing season under Head Coach Andy Reid, who took over back in the 2013 season. 

The Atlanta Falcons (6-9) won on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, 26-19 with QB Kirk Cousins throwing two TD passes and also scoring on a one-yard run to lead the way. The Cardinals dropped their seventh straight game and fell to 3-12 as QB Jacoby Brissett had a TD pass and threw an interception while kicker Chad Ryland made four field goals in defeat. 

The Monday night game between the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) and host Indianapolis Colts became a blowout in the fourth quarter as the 49ers won, 48-27 behind five touchdown passes by QB Brock Purdy, who also threw for 295 yards and one interception. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (117 rushing yards on 21 carries) caught a pair of scoring passes and tight end George Kittle had seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. It was the fifth consecutive win for San Francisco as they totaled 440 yards in offense. Meanwhile, the Colts (8-7) lost their fifth straight game as QB Philip Rivers had 277 passing yards and two TD passes, along with one interception, which was taken back 74 yards for a score by linebacker Dee Winters to ice the game. 

 

WEEK SIXTEEN RESULTS 

Seattle 38, L.A. Rams 37 (OT) 

Philadelphia 29, Washington 18 

Chicago 22, Green Bay 16 (OT)  

New Orleans 29, N.Y. Jets 6 

Minnesota 16, N.Y. Giants 13 

L.A. Chargers 34, Dallas 17  

Buffalo 23, Cleveland 20 

Tennessee 26, Kansas City 9 

Carolina 23, Tampa Bay 20 

Cincinnati 45, Miami 21 

Jacksonville 34, Denver 20

Atlanta 26, Arizona 19

Houston 23, Las Vegas 21

Pittsburgh 29, Detroit 24  

New England 28, Baltimore 24

San Francisco 48, Indianapolis 27  

 

 

More Cover Ups

Just as suspected, the Department of Justice, led by so called U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, is covering up yet again for the so called president, Donald Trump, with the partial release of the Epstein Files. 

No surprise for anybody with half a brain that would happen. 

Transparency my ass! 

These people in Trump's administration are the most corrupt ever in the history of this country.  

However, as it always does, the truth will come out.  

 

NFL - Week Sixteen Preview

Big time divisional matchups take place this week around the NFL and it starts on Thursday night in Seattle where two teams with 11-3 records square off.  The host Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams go at it with sole possession of first place in the NFC West at stake. 

The Rams knocked off the 'Hawks in L.A. last month by a 21-19 count and since that game they are averaging 37 points a game with quarterback Matthew Stafford coming into this tilt with 37 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. Seattle survived a tight game at home against Indianapolis, 18-16 last Sunday and the offense will look to get back in high gear. Before last week, the Seahawks had averaged 31 PPG in a three-game stretch following the loss to the Rams five weeks ago. The weather is calling for possible heavy rains in the Great Northwest, so how that impacts things remains to be seen. This one should be another tight affair, but the call here is for the Seahawks to come away with the home win. 

The Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) and Chicago Bears (10-4) face off on Saturday night at Soldier Field in the Windy City in the battle for the top spot in the NFC North division. The Packers held off the Bears, 28-21 two weeks ago in Green Bay by picking off a Caleb Williams pass in the end zone in the closing minute. Green Bay let one get away last Sunday in Denver while the Bears did what they should against a weak opponent, winning 31-3 against Cleveland. This game will be another tussle and as long as the Bears can effectively run the football, they will win. 

On Sunday, the Detroit Lions (8-6) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) in what could be their last chance to stay alive in the NFC playoff chase. The Steelers dominated Miami on Monday Night Football and will be looking to keep up with the high flying Lions offense in this game. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers is plenty familiar with Detroit having played in the NFC North division for so many years. The Lions will get their share of points in this game, so as long as their defense can contain what the Steelers offense can do, they should be in good shape to win. 

Down south in Carolina, the Panthers (7-7) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) in a game between two teams fighting for supremacy in the lackluster NFC South division. Both are coming off disappointing losses last week and Tampa Bay has lost five of the last six games. The Panthers have been up and down from week to week in the last month, so who knows which team will show up this Sunday? The Bucs rate a slight edge overall, but this scrappy Carolina team will be ready and not lay down in this toss up game.

Two upstart teams in the AFC playoff race will face each other in Denver when the Broncos, who lead the AFC West division with a 12-2 record and also are riding an eleven game win streak, take on the AFC South leading Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4), who also have been on a roll. Who actually had the Broncos and Jaguars going at it in late December as divisional leaders? This game should be a good one, but if the rugged Broncos defense can force those critical turnovers, this one could get ugly. Take the Broncos at home.  

On Sunday night, it could be do or die for the host Baltimore Ravens (7-7) when they play the New England Patriots (11-3), who saw their ten game winning streak come to an end last week as they blew a 21-point lead (at home) to Buffalo. Baltimore has won six of their last eight games and QB Lamar Jackson needs to protect the football and get the passing game going. Patriots QB Drake Maye had a rough one last week as the Bills took over in the second half, but he did rush for two scores to help build a 21-0 lead. Keeping the Ravens off his back will be the key in this one, so look for a close one and which ever team has the ball last could pull it out. 

The rest of the action around the league is featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.  

Philadelphia (9-5) at Washington (4-10) - The Eagles have the chance to clinch the NFC East division title on Saturday and they will likely do just that. 

Buffalo (10-4) at Cleveland (3-11) - Take the Bills. 

L.A. Chargers (10-4) at Dallas (6-7-1) - When this game kicks off on Sunday, the Cowboys will know their fate in the NFC East division. The Chargers are going for their fourth straight win. 

Kansas City (6-8) at Tennessee (2-12) - Will the Titans actually win this one against a Chiefs team now being led by QB Gardner Minshew? 

Cincinnati (4-10) at Miami (6-8) - The Dolphins have benched QB Tua Tagovailoa and Bengals QB Joe Burrow looks to be uninterested and uninspired playing for the Bengals. Toss up in this one. 

N.Y. Jets (3-11) at New Orleans (4-10) - Who cares? 

Minnesota (6-8) at N.Y. Giants (2-12) - Two young, cocky quarterbacks (J.J. McCarthy with Minnesota and Jaxson Dart with the Giants) square off in this meaningless NFL game. 

Atlanta (5-9) at Arizona (3-11) - The battle of the birds in this one . . . The Cardinals are due for a win. 

Las Vegas (2-12) at Houston (9-5) - The Raiders have lost eight games in a row for a reason. This one could get ugly in a hurry. 

San Francisco (10-4) at Indianapolis (8-6) - The 49ers are rolling while the Colts are just trying to survive and stay relevant in the AFC playoff chase. The Monday Night Football game crew will be talking quite a bit about Colts QB Philip Rivers and his comeback. Take the 49ers in this one.  

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Sixteen    . . . . . . . . . . . .       (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Seattle over L.A. Rams 

Philadelphia over Washington 

Chicago over Green Bay 

Buffalo over Cleveland 

L.A. Chargers over Dallas 

Kansas City over Tennessee 

Cincinnati over Miami 

New Orleans over N.Y. Jets 

Minnesota over N.Y. Giants 

Carolina over Tampa Bay 

Denver over Jacksonville 

Arizona over Atlanta 

Detroit over Pittsburgh 

HOUSTON over Las Vegas 

Baltimore over New England 

San Francisco over Indianapolis 

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5

SEASON RECORD - 146-77-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 13-2  

 

NFL - Week Fifteen Recap

 

For the first time since he entered the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (pictured left) will be at home come playoff time. The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the host Chiefs, 16-13 to eliminate them from playoff contention as QB Justin Herbert threw a touchdown pass and kicker Cameron Dicker made three field goals while the defense compiled five sacks and intercepted two passes to earn the win and improve to 10-4 this season. The Chiefs (6-8), who haven't missed the NFL playoffs since the 2014 season, dropped their third straight game. Mahomes, who scored their only touchdown in the game on a first quarter 12-yard run, suffered a knee injury late in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Gardner Minshew, who threw the game ending interception at the Chargers 18-yard line with 20 seconds left. After the game, it was revealed that Mahomes will be out for the rest of the season with the knee injury. 

In Denver, the Broncos registered their 11th consecutive win as they came away with a hard fought 34-26 decision against the Green Bay Packers to improve to an NFL best 12-2 record and clinched a playoff berth. The Broncos defense rose up in the fourth quarter by getting the second interception of the game and also sacked Packers QB Jordan Love (276 passing yards) twice. The Packers (9-4-1) held a 16-14 halftime lead and they increased that lead to 23-14 early in the third quarter when RB Josh Jacobs, who also caught a 14-yard TD pass from Love, ran 40 yards for a touchdown. But then Broncos QB Bo Nix (302 passing yards, four TD) threw TD passes to Courtland Sutton (14 yards) and then a 23-yard strike to Troy Franklin for a 27-23 lead. Green Bay closed to within 27-26 on a 37-yard field goal by Brandon McManus. But Denver answered again when RJ Harvey scored on a four-yard run with 7:27 remaining to finish up the scoring. Following the game, it was learned the Packers lost edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee injury) for the rest of this season. 

The Los Angeles Rams (11-3) clinched a playoff berth with a 41-34 win against the visiting Detroit Lions (8-6) with balanced offense (519 total yards, 360 passing and 159 rushing) as QB Matthew Stafford had a pair of touchdown passes and 368 passing yards and one interception, which was taken back 57 yards by Aidan Hutchinson to set up the first of QB Jared Goff's (338 passing yards) three TD passes. Rams RB Kyren Williams had two rushing scores and Blake Corum also scored a rushing touchdown in the win. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (13 receptions for 164 yards) hauled in two scoring passes in the loss. 

The Buffalo Bills made sure the host New England Patriots (11-3) would not be celebrating an AFC East division title as they battled back from a 21-0 deficit and won the game, 35-31 in snowy conditions as QB Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns and running back James Cook (107 rushing yards on 22 carries) scored twice on the ground and caught a TD pass as well to lead the charge and improve to 10-4 this season. The Patriots rolled up the big lead thanks to a pair of scoring runs by QB Drake Maye and two more from RB TreVeyon Henderson (52 and 65 yard scoring runs), who ran for 148 yards on 14 carries. Bills tight end Dawson Knox had two TD receptions, including a 14-yard pass from Allen for a 28-24 lead with 10:03 left in the game. Henderson then went 65 yards and gave New England the lead right back (31-28) on the first play from scrimmage. But Cook countered with his second touchdown of the game on a 13-yard rushing score with 6:48 remaining to make the difference. 

In Seattle, the Indianapolis Colts welcomed back QB Philip Rivers (retired since the end of the 2020 season) to the NFL and he threw an eight-yard scoring pass to Josh Downs for a 13-3 lead late in the second quarter. But in the end, six field goals by kicker Jason Myers proved to be the difference in a 18-16 Seahawks victory. The Colts (8-6) took a 16-15 lead with 47 seconds left in the game when Blake Grupe made a 60-yard field goal, but they eventually dropped their fourth consecutive game when Myers drilled a 56-yard boot with 18 seconds left. The Seahawks defense ended any dramatic comebacks with an interception to help them improve to 11-3 and stay with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West race. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars crushed the New York Jets, 48-20 behind five touchdown passes from QB Trevor Lawrence, who also scored a rushing TD and had 330 passing yards while leading the Jaguars (10-4) with 51 rushing yards as they rolled up 438 total yards and running back Travis Etienne had three touchdown receptions. The Jags defense also came up with three interceptions and had three sacks to help pace the easy win. The Jets (3-11) had Brady Cook at quarterback and he was picked off three times while tossing one scoring pass in the loss. 

The Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) snapped a three game losing streak by smashing the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, 31-0 behind three TD passes from QB Jalen Hurts and a two-yard scoring run by Saquon Barkley. The Raiders (2-12) had a paltry 75 yards in offense for the game as QB Kenny Pickett threw an interception and was sacked four times. 

The Houston Texans (9-5) won their sixth consecutive game by blasting the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 40-20 with quarterback C.J. Stroud (260 passing yards) tossing three TD passes as the Texans rolled up 399 total yards of offense. The Cardinals (3-11) fell behind 17-0 after one quarter and were never in this one as QB Jacoby Brissett had three TD passes and one interception thrown along with 249 passing yards in defeat.  

 

Bears defenders sack Browns QB Shedeur Sanders.

At frigid Soldier Field in Chicago, the Bears (10-4) blasted the Cleveland Browns, 31-3 to take over first place in the NFC North. Bears QB Caleb Williams (242 passing yards) threw two TD passes while RB D'Andre Swift (98 yards on 18 carries) rushed for a pair of touchdowns and the defense held the Browns to just 192 total yards and nine first downs and intercepted Cleveland rookie QB Shedeur Sanders three times and also had five sacks. In addition, the Browns (3-11) gained just 50 rushing yards in the below zero wind chill weather, but the bright spot for them was defensive end Myles Garrett getting 1 1/2 sacks, giving him 21 1/2 for the season, just 1 1/2 sacks short of setting the all time NFL single season record. 

The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) rolled past the Tennessee Titans, 37-24 to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the crowded NFC West division as QB Brock Purdy had three scoring passes with 295 passing yards and RB Christian McCaffrey scored a rushing touchdown. The Titans (2-12) got a pair of scoring passes from rookie QB Cam Ward and a rushing TD from Tony Pollard, who gained 104 rushing yards on 14 carries in the setback.   

The Baltimore Ravens improved to 7-7 this season with a 24-0 shutout road win against the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) as QB Lamar Jackson had two TD passes and Alohi Gilman took an interception back 86 yards for another score to lead the way. Bengals QB Joe Burrow (225 passing yards) was intercepted twice as they were eliminated from playoff contention. 

The game in Tampa Bay on Thursday night saw the Atlanta Falcons storm back and stun the Buccaneers, 29-28 when Zane Gonzalez kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired. The Bucs (7-7) blew a 28-14 lead in the final quarter as Falcons RB Bijan Robinson scored on a six-yard run and Kirk Cousins (373 passing yards) threw his third TD pass of the game to tight end Kyle Pitts, who had eleven receptions for 166 yards. The Falcons (5-9) gained 476 yards in total offense while overcoming a team record 19 penalties for the win. Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield had 277 passing yards along with two TD passes and one interception in the loss.  

The New Orleans Saints toppled the Carolina Panthers, 20-17 as kicker Charlie Smyth made a 47-yard field goal with two seconds remaining that dropped Carolina to 7-7 this season and back into a first place tie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South division. The Panthers led 17-10 in the final quarter, but the Saints (4-10) got it done as rookie QB Tyler Shough (272 passing yards) threw a 12-yard TD pass to Chris Olave with 2:29 remaining to tie the game at 17-17. The defense got the football back and the Saints pulled off the season sweep of the Panthers. Carolina QB Bryce Young had a scoring pass and RB Rico Dowdle scored a rushing touchdown in the loss. 

The Washington Commanders (4-10) knocked off the New York Giants, 29-21 for the road win as RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (96 rushing yards on 18 carries) scored on a 16-yard run and Jaylin Lane raced 63 yards for a touchdown on a punt return to help build a 22-7 halftime lead. The Giants (2-12) closed to within 22-14 when QB Jaxson Dart (246 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw an 18-yard TD pass to Tyrone Tracy, Jr early in the third quarter. Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (211 passing yards) connected with WR Terry McLaurin for a 51-yard touchdown pass prior to Dart tossing his second TD pass with 3:43 remaining in the game. 

The Sunday night game in Dallas went to the Minnesota Vikings, 34-26 as quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a rushing touchdown and threw two scoring passes while finishing with 250 passing yards and one interception. Dallas (6-7-1) managed two rushing touchdowns and four field goals in the loss, which all but eliminated them from playoff contention. After falling behind 23-17, the Vikings (6-8) scored on back-to-back possessions to lead 31-23 with 9:12 left in the fourth quarter. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had 294 passing yards in the loss. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) dominated the Miami Dolphins on Monday night in frigid weather in Pittsburgh and came away with a 28-15 victory behind a pair of TD passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (224 passing yards) along with a one-yard scoring run by Connor Heyward and a 14-yard scoring run by tight end Jonnu Smith. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa had 253 passing yards along with one interception and two touchdown passes to tight end Darren Waller as they saw a four game win streak come to an end. The Dolphins (6-8) rushed for only 63 yards in the loss, which eliminated them from AFC playoff contention.  

 

WEEK FIFTEEN RESULTS 

Atlanta 29, Tampa Bay 28  

Philadelphia 31, Las Vegas 0 

Chicago 31, Cleveland 3 

Washington 29, N.Y. Giants 21

Jacksonville 48, N.Y. Jets 20 

Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 0 

Buffalo 35, New England 31 

Houston 40, Arizona 20 

L.A. Chargers 16, Kansas City 13  

San Francisco 37, Tennessee 24 

Seattle 18, Indianapolis 16

Denver 34, Green Bay 26 

New Orleans 20, Carolina 17

L.A. Rams 41, Detroit 34  

Minnesota 34, Dallas 26

Pittsburgh 28, Miami 15  

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

The AFC East division could be clinched this weekend when the New England Patriots, who are 11-2 and winners of ten straight games, host the Buffalo Bills (9-4) and will be looking to sweep them for the first time since quarterback Tom Brady was still taking the snaps.

The Bills had a big win against Cincinnati last week and the Patriots are coming off the bye, so whoever can get the early jump and keep the momentum from slipping away in this game will be in good shape. The Patriots stunned the Bills back in October on a Sunday night game and have been riding that wave ever since. The key will be the Pats keeping Bills quarterback Josh Allen under wraps while continuing to mix it up on offense and protect QB Drake Maye, who has been outstanding this season. Look for another tight game, but this time the Bills get it done and keep the Patriots from celebrating. 

In Seattle, all eyes will be on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers? Yes, that is correct as the team was in desperation mode and signed the 44-year old quarterback out of retirement to the practice squad after losing not only the game in Jacksonville last week, but also starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles injury) as well as backup Riley Leonard (knee injury) who may not be available for the game against the Seahawks, who are 10-3 and rolling with a strong defense. On paper, the Seahawks should dominate an injury ravaged Colts team and that will likely be the case. 

Two other games on Sunday will have a big impact on the AFC West race, where the Denver Broncos (11-2) host the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) in an afternoon game. The Broncos have won ten games in a row and many of them have come right down to the final minutes to decide. The Packers have won four in a row and lead the NFC North division and will look to keep it going against a strong Broncos defense, which leads the NFL with 55 quarterback sacks. Green Bay QB Jordan Love has been on a roll in recent weeks, leading the offense to better numbers after scoring just 13 points or less in back-to-back home losses in early November. The Broncos have to protect QB Bo Nix from the Packers pass rush specialist Micah Parsons. This game is a toss up. 

Meanwhile in Kansas City, the Chiefs (6-7) will face the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) and try to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase. The Chiefs have not missed the playoffs since the 2014 season and quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company are coming off a punishing loss at home against Houston last Sunday evening. The Chargers are looking to make it six wins in seven games in this tilt while also keeping QB Justin Herbert (injured left hand) on the playing field. Herbert played a gutsy game in a 22-19 win at home against the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday night, throwing a scoring pass and rushing for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. The Chiefs lost the season opener to the Chargers and a loss in this game would pretty much eliminate them from playoff contention. Expect a close game and the team with the football at the end of this one will have a chance to win.

The Detroit Lions (8-5) face the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) in a road game on Sunday and will be trying to stay in the NFC North race, where the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are running neck and neck for first place. The Lions offense got back on track in a 44-30 pasting of the Dallas Cowboys a week ago with running back Jahmyr Gibbs scoring three touchdowns. The Rams blew out Arizona, 45-17 and QB Matthew Stafford had three more touchdown passes, giving him 35 this season to just four interceptions thrown. The 17-year veteran QB would love to stick it to his former team while keeping the Rams atop the NFC West race, where the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are right there with them. This game is yet another one that could go down to the wire and considered to be a toss up. 

The rest of the games for Week Fifteen are featured in the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Atlanta (4-9) at Tampa Bay (7-6) - Thursday night game in Florida and the Buccaneers are in a battle for first place in the NFC South division. The Falcons are just playing out the schedule. 

Cleveland (3-10) at Chicago (9-4) - It is expected to be very cold with below zero wind chills in the Windy City on Sunday and the Bears need this one. Take the Bears. 

Baltimore (6-7) at Cincinnati (4-9) - The Ravens will look to avenge an embarrassing loss to Cincy just two weeks ago. The Bengals must win out and get help to make the playoffs. 

Arizona (3-10) at Houston (8-5) - The Texans will be looking for their sixth straight win in this one and should get it. 

N.Y. Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville (9-4) - Jaguars have no excuse to lose this one at home. The Jets continue to be a mess. 

Washington (3-10) at N.Y. Giants (2-11) - Can the Giants stop their seven game losing streak against a very injury depleted Commanders team? Yes! 

Las Vegas (2-11) at Philadelphia (8-5) - Eagles get it back on track in this one. 

Carolina (7-6) at New Orleans (3-10) - The Saints will be at home and going for the season sweep against the Panthers in this one. Are the Panthers contenders or pretenders for the NFC playoffs? 

Tennessee (2-11) at San Francisco (9-4) - 49ers roll ! 

Minnesota (5-8) at Dallas (6-6-1) - Can the Vikings play spoiler to the Cowboys playoff hopes? 

Miami (6-7) at Pittsburgh (7-6) - The Steelers should get the win in this Monday night game, but the Dolphins have won four in a row. For what it's worth . . . many years ago (in 2007) these two teams played a 3-0 MNF game (won by the Steelers) in a monsoon in Pittsburgh where a punt literally got stuck in the mud when it landed. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fifteen    . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

Chicago over Cleveland 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Houston over Arizona 

Jacksonville over N.Y. Jets 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Buffalo over New England 

N.Y. Giants over Washington 

Philadelphia over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Denver 

L.A. Rams over Detroit 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Seattle over Indianapolis 

SAN FRANCISCO over Tennessee 

Dallas over Minnesota 

Pittsburgh over Miami 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 135-72-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12 -2  

NFL - Week Fourteen Recap

So many games with playoff implications on the line this past weekend and when all was said and done, there is a little more separation of the contenders and pretenders. 

The Detroit Lions smoked the Dallas Cowboys, 44-30 on Thursday night for the home win to improve to 8-5 as running back Jahmyr Gibbs (pictured left) scored three touchdowns while David Montgomery added a 35-yard rushing touchdown and QB Jared Goff (309 passing yards) threw a 12-yard TD pass to Isaac TeSlaa for a 27-9 lead early in the third quarter. The Cowboys (6-6-1) battled back to close to within 30-27 with 9:52 remaining in the game when Dak Prescott (376 passing yards, one TD, two INT) connected with WR Ryan Flournoy for a 42-yard touchdown pass. But Gibbs scored twice on the ground to seal the win as both teams gained over 400 yards in total offense. In addition, the Lions defense forced three turnovers and had five sacks, including three by defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) picked up a huge road win in Baltimore, 27-22 to take over sole possession of first place in the AFC North division and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (284 passing yards) ran for a touchdown and also threw for another while running back Kenneth Gainwell scored a rushing touchdown and Chris Boswell made two field goals. The Ravens (6-7) looked to take the lead late in the game but an apparent touchdown pass from QB Lamar Jackson (219 passing yards, one TD, one INT and one rushing TD) to tight end Isaiah Likely was overturned. Baltimore outgained the Steelers by a 420-318 margin in yards, but fell short in this game. 

On Sunday night in Kansas City, the Chiefs playoff hopes took a serious hit when they lost, 20-10 to the Houston Texans (8-5), who ran their winning streak to five games. The key to the game was twice in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs (6-7) were stopped twice in their own territory on fourth down. The Texans took advantage as running back Dare Ogunwobale scored on a five-yard run with 6:56 left in the game for a 17-10 lead and then the Houston defense, which intercepted Patrick Mahomes three times, sealed the game with the third pick that led to a 28-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn. Kansas City had won the AFC West division nine straight seasons, but this loss assured they will not win it this year. 

In Green Bay, the Packers and Chicago Bears locked up in a battle for first place in the NFC North division that saw the Packers (9-3-1) hang on to beat the Bears, 28-21 thanks to an interception by Keisean Nixon in the end zone on a fourth down play with only 27 seconds remaining in the game. Packers QB Jordan Love had three TD passes along with 234 passing yards and one interception while running back Josh Jacobs scored on a two-yard run with 3:32 left to play to make the difference. The Bears (9-4) saw their five game win streak snapped as QB Caleb Williams had two scoring passes and the crucial interception thrown in defeat. 

 

Bills QB Josh Allen dashed through the snow for a 40-yard touchdown run.

The Buffalo Bills (9-4) overcame an eleven point deficit and toppled the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, 39-34 in snowy conditions as QB Josh Allen (251 passing yards) threw for three touchdowns and ran 40 yards for another score and defensive back Christian Benford took back an interception 63 yards for the go ahead (32-28) touchdown with 5:25 left in the game. The Bengals (4-9) jumped out to a 14-3 lead and maintained that edge into the fourth quarter as QB Joe Burrow (284 passing yards, four TD, two INT) connected with Mike Gesicki on a 12-yard pass for his third scoring strike and a 28-18 lead with 8:44 remaining. The Bills scored 21 unanswered points in the next 4:30 to grab a 39-28 lead with Allen running and passing for scores and the "pick six" by Benford in between. The Bills gained 416 yards in offense, including 183 rushing yards. 

The Denver Broncos (11-2) laid claim to the top spot in the AFC playoff chase with a 24-17 road win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) to run their winning streak to ten games. Broncos QB Bo Nix and running back RJ Harvey each had a rushing score and Marvin Mims, Jr. returned a punt 48 yards for another touchdown to pace the victory. Las Vegas QB Geno Smith tossed a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Brock Bowers before leaving the game with hand and shoulder injuries. Backup QB Kenny Pickett had a TD pass on 8-of-11 passing as the Raiders lost for the seventh consecutive time. 

The AFC South division has the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) alone in first place as they defeated the reeling Indianapolis Colts, 36-19 in Jacksonville.  The Jaguars jumped out to a 28-10 lead as RB Travis Etienne scored two rushing touchdowns while QB Trevor Lawrence passed for two scores along with 244 passing yards. The Colts dropped to 8-5 and lost starting QB Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury in the first half while Jonathan Taylor and Riley Leonard each scored on the ground in the setback. 

New Orleans (3-10) surprised the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-20 behind two rushing scores by QB Tyler Shough, including a 13-yard run with 8:26 left in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers (7-6) had a brief 17-14 lead when running back Sean Tucker scored on a one-yard run. Saints kicker Charlie Smyth drilled a 30-yard field goal to it up at 17-17 heading to the final quarter. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass and also one interception in the loss. 

The Seattle Seahawks (10-3) continued to roll on with a 37-9 thumping against the host Atlanta Falcons (4-9) that got kick started in the second half thanks to a 100-yard kickoff return for touchdown by Rashid Shaheed. The game was tied 6-6 at the half and then Seahawks completely took control by scoring 17 points in the third quarter and another 14 points in the fourth as quarterback Sam Darnold (249 passing yards, three TD, one INT) threw two scoring passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had seven receptions for 92 yards in the rout. The Falcons managed just three field goals and had three turnovers in defeat. 

Keeping pace with the Seahawks in the NFC West division, the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) smashed the Arizona Cardinals, 45-17 behind three TD passes from QB Matthew Stafford (281 passing yards) while WR Puka Nacua (seven receptions for 167 yards) and RB Blake Corum (128 rushing yards on 12 carries) both scored two touchdowns to lead the rout as they gained 530 yards in offense, including 249 rushing yards. The Cardinals fell to 3-10 this season as QB Jacoby Brissett had two touchdown passes and one interception along with 271 yards in the loss, giving them two five-game losing streaks this season. 

Minnesota won at home, 31-0 against the Washington Commanders (3-10) who lost quarterback Jayden Daniels to the same elbow injury that kept him out for several weeks. The Vikings (5-8) snapped a four game losing streak as J.J. McCarthy had three scoring passes and RB Jordan Mason added a rushing touchdown while the defense limited Washington to just 206 total yards and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. 

The Miami Dolphins (6-7) won their fourth consecutive game with a 34-10 decision on the road against the New York Jets as four different players scored a touchdown and the Dolphins defense limited the Jets (3-10) to only 207 yards in total offense while intercepting three passes. Miami rushed for 239 yards, including 107 yards (on 24 carries) for Jaylen Wright. The Jets only touchdown came on a 78-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams. 

In snowy Cleveland, the Tennessee Titans (2-11) snapped a seven game losing streak with a 31-29 win against the Browns (3-10), who eschewed two extra point kicks in favor of a two-point attempt, that both failed, in the final quarter. Titans RB Tony Pollard (161 yards on 25 carries) had two long scoring runs (65 and 32 yards) and rookie QB Cam Ward threw two touchdown passes to pace the offense. Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had three TD passes (along with 364 passing yards, one interception) and one scoring run in the loss.  

What an exciting, yet sloppy game on Monday Night Football between the host Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles as the Chargers (9-4) came away with a 22-19 win in overtime. Both teams combined for eight turnovers as the Eagles (8-5) lost their third straight game with QB Jalen Hurts losing a fumble and he was intercepted four times, including to end the game when Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson came up with the pick off a deflection at the L.A. two-yard line. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley scored on a 52-yard run while going for 122 yards on 20 carries and kicker Jake Elliott made four field goals. Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a broken left hand and had a four-yard TD pass to running back Omarion Hampton in the first quarter. Herbert also rushed for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made five field goals, including a 54-yard boot in the OT session as well as a 46-yard effort with eight seconds remaining to send the game into overtime. 

  

WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS 

Detroit 44, Dallas 30  

Minnesota 31, Washington 0  

Jacksonville 36, Indianapolis 19 

Seattle 37, Atlanta 9 

Tennessee 31, Cleveland 29

New Orleans 24, Tampa Bay 20 

Miami 34, N.Y. Jets 10 

Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 22 

Buffalo 39, Cincinnati 34  

Denver 24, Las Vegas 17

L.A. Rams 45, Arizona 17

Green Bay 28, Chicago 21

Houston 20, Kansas City 10 

L.A. Chargers 22, Philadelphia 19 (OT)  

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

There are some big games on the slate this weekend around the NFL as far as playoff contending teams are concerned. The Dallas Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in Motown and both teams need this win as both are in the thick of the NFC playoff chase with just five games left in the season. 

Dallas (6-5-1) has won three straight games and the defense has shown improvement in that span. The offense continues to hum, especially the passing game and if quarterback Dak Prescott can avoid turnovers, the Cowboys will be in good shape. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have been outstanding this season and Prescott will look to continue that trend. The Lions (7-5) lost last week against Green Bay and could be without top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle injury) for the game. The Lions offense will look to mix it up with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and quarterback Jared Goff still has Jameson Williams as a main target in the passing game. This game could be a shootout and perhaps the Lions (at home) will get it right this week. 

On Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) take on the visiting Houston Texans (7-5), winners of four in a row and with a defense that is currently playing out of their minds, holding opponents to 16.3 points per game. The Chiefs offense has been so-so this season because the running game has lagged behind Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack. Neither team has been knocking it out of the park on offense in the past month or so meaning this game could be a low scoring affair. If the Chiefs don't get the win in this one, they could be staying home this January as in missing the playoffs. The good news is they almost never lose to the Texans, so they have that going for them heading into this huge game. 

The Chicago Bears (9-3) have won five consecutive games and this Sunday travel up the road to Green Bay to face the Packers (8-3-1) in battle for first place in the NFC North division. Chicago leads the NFL in takeaways on defense (25) and would do well  to keep it going against the Packers, who put up 31 points on Thanksgiving Day to beat the Detroit Lions. Getting to QB Jordan Love will be the key for the Bears to have a successful day in Cheeseland. The Packers defense is led by Micah Parsons, who has been ramping it up lately and has 12 1/2 sacks. The Bears will win if QB Caleb Williams doesn't make mistakes with the football and the defense does its thing. Green Bay wins if their defense wins the turnover battle. This game will likely go down to the final possession with the Packers sneaking away with the victory. 

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are both 8-4 this year and this AFC South game will be  played in Florida, where the Colts have struggled in recent years. The Colts need QB Daniel Jones to play within his limits and not turn the football over while the same could be said of Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who tends to try to do too much and that leads to interceptions. Jacksonville has won three in a row (and four of five) while the Colts have dropped three of their last four games, including two close games to Kansas City and Houston. Expect a battle with the game going down to the wire, but the Jaguars get the win at home. 

In Baltimore, the Ravens (6-6) face the reeling Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6), who have lost three of the last four games. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has been under intense fire this season and a win in this game would do good to quell the naysayers calling for him to be fired. Meanwhile, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been under fire to a certain degree in 2025 as they have struggled with numerous injuries that nearly derailed their season with a 1-5 start. Five wins in succession helped big time, but then last week they looked terrible in a home loss against Cincinnati. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson needs to get off the schnide and play his style of football if the Ravens want to win this game. Call this one a toss up. 

The Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles features a pair of 8-4 teams as the Chargers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who have dropped two straight games and now have the surging Dallas Cowboys nipping at their heels in the NFC North race. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will look to get the offense in gear after putting up just 15 points in last week's loss to Chicago and it would do wonders if running back Saquon Barkley could have his second 100-yard rushing game this season in this one. The Chargers have a real gauntlet of games down the stretch and will hope to have QB Justin Herbert (left non-throwing hand injury) ready to go in this game. Both teams have offenses that can be hit-and-miss at times, so whoever has it clicking better on Monday night will win this game.   

The remaining schedule for Week Fourteen is featured with the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks for the games follows up. 

Seattle (9-3) at Atlanta (4-8) - Can the Falcons pull of the upset at home? On any given Sunday . . . but not this time. 

Cincinnati (4-8) at Buffalo (8-4) - Take the Bills at home in this game, but the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow will make it a battle. 

Tennessee (1-11) at Cleveland (3-9) - The stinker game of the week . . . take the Browns at home. 

Washington (3-9) at Minnesota (4-8) - Hard to believe both of these teams were in the playoffs last year. 

Miami (5-7) at N.Y. Jets (3-9) - Jets rate a slight edge in frigid New York in December against Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who almost never wins football games in cold weather. Toss up in this game. 

New Orleans (2-10) at Tampa Bay (7-5) - If the Buccaneers don't get the win at home in this game, they don't deserve to make the playoffs. 

Denver (10-2) at Las Vegas (2-10) - The Raiders are terrible, but usually play the Broncos tough, so Broncos QB Bo Nix and company better be ready. 

L.A. Rams (9-3) at Arizona (3-9) - The Cardinals are terrible, but usually play the Rams tough, so Rams QB Matthew Stafford and company better be ready. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fourteen   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)  

Detroit over Dallas 

Seattle over Atlanta 

Buffalo over Cincinnati 

Cleveland over Tennessee 

Minnesota over Washington 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Baltimore over Pittsburgh 

Denver over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Chicago 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

KANSAS CITY over Houston 

Philadelphia over L.A. Chargers  

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 126-67-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12-1 

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap

Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for three scores in big win over the Rams. 

The Sunday action saw the Carolina Panthers (7-6) shock the Los Angeles Rams, 31-28 behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Bryce Young (206 passing yards) and a "pick six" interception return 48 yards for a score by Mike Jackson that made the difference and stopped the Rams six-game winning streak. The Rams (9-3) got a pair of scoring passes from QB Matthew Stafford, who had 243 passing yards, but was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble in the loss. The win for Carolina kept them right with Tampa Bay in the NFC South division race for first place. 

 

In Pittsburgh, the Buffalo Bills (8-4) bounced back from a disappointing loss (to Houston) and beat the Steelers, 26-7 behind a scoring pass and an eight-yard touchdown run from quarterback Josh Allen along with a defensive score when Christian Benford put the Bills ahead, 10-7 in the third quarter with a scoop and score 17-yard fumble return. The Bills had the football for nearly 42 minutes and gouged the Pittsburgh defense for 249 rushing yards in the win. Meanwhile, the Steelers gained only 166 yards in total offense as they fell to 6-6 this season. 

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 9-4 with a blowout win in Cleveland, 26-8 as quarterback Brock Purdy passed and ran for touchdowns while Christian McCaffrey rushed for another score. The Browns dropped to 3-9 as QB Shedeur Sanders threw a 34-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin, Jr. for a brief 8-7 lead in the second quarter. 

The Houston Texans (7-5) continued to roll in a 20-16 road victory against the Indianapolis Colts (8-4), who dropped their third game in the last four. Texans wide receiver Niko Collins scored a rushing touchdown and Nick Chubb also rushed for a score to pace the offense. Colts QB Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough in this game.   

Jacksonville (8-4) moved into a first place tie with Indianapolis in the AFC South with a 25-3 road win against the Tennessee Titans (1-11) as the defense limited the Titans to only 188 total yards in offense while getting two fumble recoveries. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence had two scoring passes to help the winning effort. 

 

The Seattle Seahawks (9-3) rolled past the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 26-0 as the defense forced five turnovers, including intercepting Vikings QB Max Brosmer four times, one of which was taken back 85 yards by Ernest Jones IV (pictured right) for a touchdown to help build a 13-0 halftime lead. The only offensive touchdown for Seattle came on a 17-yard scoring run by Zach Charbonnet while Jason Myers kicked four field goals. The Vikings (4-8) managed to gain just 162 yards in offense and lost their fourth straight game. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) outlasted the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 20-17 with QB Baker Mayfield throwing a TD pass and RB Bucky Irving scoring on a 13-yard run. The Cardinals (3-9) were eliminated from playoff contention as QB Jacoby Brissett (301 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw for a pair of touchdowns after the Bucs took a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. 

The Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) used a balanced offensive attack in a 31-14 home win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) with QB Justin Herbert throwing for two touchdowns and running backs Kimani Vidal (126 yards on 25 carries) and Jaret Patterson each scoring a rushing touchdown. The Chargers totaled 341 yards, including 192 yards on the ground. The Raiders two scores came on scoring passes from QB Geno Smith to tight end Brock Bowers as they gained just 156 total yards while losing for the sixth consecutive time. It was also revealed following the game that (Chargers quarterback Justin) Herbert suffered an injury to his non throwing hand and could possibly be out for next week. 

In Miami, the Dolphins (5-7) won their fourth straight game as they defeated the visiting New Orleans Saints, 21-17 as running back De'Von Achane (134 yards on 22 carries) scored on a 29-yard run and Riley Patterson made four field goals to lead the way. The Saints (2-10) closed to within 19-17 with 1:17 remaining in the game when QB Tyler Shough (239 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a 15-yard TD pass to Devaughn Vele, but the two-point conversion pass was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick and taken back for two points for the Dolphins to make the difference. 

The New York Jets (3-9) squeaked past the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 27-24 when Nick Folk made a 56-yard field goal as time expired. The game went back and forth with the Falcons (4-8) leading 17-14 in the fourth quarter before Folk tied it up with a 32-yard field goal. The Falcons took a 24-17 lead on a nine-yard TD pass from Kirk Cousins to David Sills. The Jets tied the game with 1:53 left to play on a ten-yard scoring run by QB Tyrod Taylor. The Jets defense then stood tall and forced a punt to set up the finish.  

The Sunday night game went into overtime and the Denver Broncos (10-2) came away with a 27-26 victory for their ninth consecutive win as they stopped the Washington Commanders (3-9) from a two-point conversion attempt to end the game. Broncos QB Bo Nix passed for 321 yards along with a touchdown and an interception and running back RJ Harvey scored two rushing touchdowns, including a five-yard scoring run in the OT session for a 27-20 lead. Washington had tied the game 20-20 to force the OT on a pair of field goals by Jake Moody in the fourth quarter. Commanders QB Marcus Mariota had a pair of TD passes and one pick thrown along with 294 passing yards in the loss. 

The New England Patriots improved to 11-2 by smashing the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, 33-15 as they jumped out to a 17-0 lead after the first quarter. Marcus Jones took a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown and Drake Maye (282 passing yards) threw the first of his two touchdown passes (three yards  to Kayshon Boutte) before the Giants (2-11) got on the scoreboard. A 30-yard TD pass from Jaxson Dart to Darius Slayton cut the deficit to 17-7 before Maye threw a 33-yard scoring strike to Kyle Williams and Andy Borregales (four field goals in the game) booted two short field goals to make it 30-7 at halftime. 

 

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24

Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 

Cincinnati 32, Baltimore 14 

Chicago 24, Philadelphia 15  

Carolina 31, L.A. Rams 28  

San Francisco 26, Cleveland 8 

Tampa Bay 20, Arizona 17  

Miami 21, New Orleans 17 

Houston 20, Indianapolis 16 

Jacksonville 25, Tennessee 3  

N.Y. Jets 27, Atlanta 24  

Seattle 26, Minnesota 0

L.A. Chargers 31, Las Vegas 14 

Buffalo 26, Pittsburgh 7 

Denver 27, Washington 26 (OT) 

New England 33, N.Y. Giants 15